Resumen

BRENIERE, Simone Frédérique; BARNABE, Christian; BREMOND, Philippe  y  BUITRAGO, Rosio. Emerging vector system due to wild populations of Triatoma infestans: Chagas disease in Bolivia, the TIBO project. BIOFARBO [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.1, pp. 1-7. ISSN 1813-5363.

The geographical distribution and epidemiological role of wild populations of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease, was explored in Bolivia. We searched for new wild foci throughout the endemic area of T. infestans. Local studies allowed us to evaluate the re-infestation of human habitats. Molecular biology and genetics tools were applied to vectors and Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease. We found i) a wide distribution of wild T. infestans in two ecoregions: Inter-Andean Dry Forests and Gran Chaco, ii) a new hypothesis on the origin of T. infestans, iii) a high rate of infection of wild Andean T. infestans, iv) re-infestation from wild populations in the Andes, and v) arguments in favor of possible transmission of T. cruzi in the wild environment. These results should alert the authorities to the wide distribution of wild populations that can move to homes and are highly infected by the parasite.

Palabras llave : wild Triatoma infestans; geographical distribution; re-infestation; epidemiological risk.